OPINION: RESIDENTS THE BIG LOSERS IN CITY SICK OUT, PAGE 4.
GRAVEMAN ON A ROLL
THURSDAY
THE
Former BRHS star having success with Oakland A’s
Lighting the way for Alexander City & Lake Martin since 1892 August 4, 2016
Vol. 124, No. 156
Sports, Page 8
www.alexcityoutlook.com
Archer suspended for six months Outlook report on probate judge’s inappropriate messages with woman cited in Judicial Inquiry Commission complaint By MITCH SNEED Editor
Tallapoosa County Probate Court Judge Leon Archer will serve a six-month suspension without pay as a result of a Jan. 30 Alexander City Outlook story that revealed that the judge had exchanged sexually explicit message with a woman who was
Archer
half his age that had previously had a case before him. Archer reached an agreement with the Alabama Judicial Inquiry Commission Wednesday following an investigation launched after The Outlook’s story reached members of the commission. According to Archer’s attorney Randy Haynes of Alexander City, the suspension is effective
immediately and is expected to be approved by the Alabama Court of Judiciary Monday, the same day that it begins proceedings against Chief Justice Roy Moore. “Judge Archer made some bad mistakes with a person who admitted to having her own reasons to discredit him,” Haynes said. “He has admitted his poor judgment from the outset. Two things people
should know – the JIC has agreed that Judge Archer cooperated fully and honestly with the Commission. Secondly, his communication with the woman was not carried out during the performance of his official duties nor while she had any matter before the Probate Court. He admitted he was wrong, and he definitely made mistakes, See JUDGE • Page 7
Tuggle talks McCutcheon, special session
Councilitis continues at City Hall Wednesday
By DAVID GRANGER Staff Writer
Alexander City’s Rep. Mark Tuggle said that Rep. Mac McCutcheon, chosen Tuesday as the Alabama House of Representatives Republican Caucus’ nominee to replace Mike Hubbard as speaker of the House, “will be an outstanding speaker” Tuggle and shared some thoughts about the upcoming special session recently called by Gov. Robert Bentley for Aug. 15. “My legislative experience with Rep. McCutcheon has always been positive, professional and constituent-oriented,” Tuggle said Wednesday. “I look forward to working with him in his new role.” Tuggle said McCutcheon was selected from among six candidates for the speakership. Reports said others considered were Reps. Steve Clouse of Ozark, Lynn Greer or Rogersville, Mike Jones of Andalusia, Barry Moore of Enterprise and Phil Williams of Huntsville. See TUGGLE • Page 7
Residents growing tired of inconvenience caused by ‘sick out’ Cliff Williams / The Outlook
By MITCH SNEED Editor
Above, Horseshoe Bend School prinicpal James Aulner speaks to elementary students at an assembly on the first day of school. Below, Horseshoe Bend School seventh-graders Brianna Travis, left, and Sarina Arnold try to navigate the high school wing in between classes on the first day of school Wednesday.
Absences by some employees at city hall in Alexander City again caused some issues for residents who were trying to pay utility bills Wednesday. A day after Mayor Charles Shaw speculated that heavy absences by city employees were a “direct protest against the council’s action from Monday night ” that put city Finance Director Sandra Machen back on the job, evidence of a limited “sick out” remained present Wednesday. There were more doors open at city hall Wednesday and light could be seen coming from many offices that were dark on Tuesday. After being unable to make any utility payments on Tuesday, the city was able to take checks and money orders from residents Wednesday. But still that was an
BELLS RINGING Windle ‘very pleased’ with county’s first school day By DAVID GRANGER Staff Writer
Tallapoosa County Schools convened Wednesday for the first day of the 201617 academic year with Dadeville schools adjusting to a new alignment as a result of the closure of Councill Middle School. “I think we had one of our best openings for the system in my four years as superintendent,” said Joe Windle, superintendent of Tallapoosa County Schools. “I always look at four areas as I go around to the schools on the first day: transportation, scheduling, feeding and
See COUNCILITIS • Page 2
See SCHOOL • Page 2
Snipes caps summer Strand Sessions concert series tion to our lineup.” Scott Hardy, who also heard Snipes at the magazine shoot, said his music was full of “soul and good vibes.” Snipes, who was born in Soddy Daisy, Tennessee, and now lives in Birmingham where he teaches Bible at Briarwood Christian School, will lead a six-member band that includes two guitars, drums, bass, trumpet and a female vocalist. Snipes describes his music as a mixture of folk and rock and roll and says he’s been able to play a lot of gigs this summer. “It works out pretty good being a teacher,” said Snipes. “I’ve been able to do a lot of shows and get out my first full-length album, ‘American Dreamer,’ which came out July 4. I made sure it came out on the right day.” This is the fourth and final performance of the summer Strand Session series, but Howell said she hopes to see
By DAVID GRANGER Staff Writer
Tennessee-born singer-songwriter B. Snipes will perform tonight at the Lake Martin Young Professionals’ Strand Sessions at Alexander City’s Strand Park from 6:30-8:30 p.m. According to Snipes’ website, his musical influences range from folk to indie rock. He has two recordings to his credit, his debut EP “Away Away” and his first full-length album “American Dreamer.” “Me and (husband) John Howell and Scott Hardy met Brandon and his wife at a Country Living magazine shoot on the lake,” said Lacey Howell, a member of the LMYP executive board. “He starting telling us that he was in a band and we didn’t believe him. He played us some of his music and it was very good. “I’d call him uniquely soulful, just really good. I think he’ll be a nice addi-
See STRAND • Page 7
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Today’s
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Submitted / The Outlook
Singer-songwriter B. Snipes will perform at the final Lake Martin Young Professionals Strand Session tonight at 6:30 p.m.
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